Hi, 6 weeks ago I was officially diagnosed with anxiety, obsessive thoughts and depression. I started on 20mg of fluoxetine and after a few weeks of terrible side effects didn't see much improvement, my doctor put me up to 40mg 2 weeks ago today so in total I've been on medication for 6 weeks (also started cbt) however I'm not feeling much better, I feel less down, like it's lifted my mood but it's not really helped with the amount of obsessive thoughts I have and it's killing me and my relationship with the man I love more than anything. So many websites say I should notice the difference in 4-6 weeks so worried as I don't fee much better at all, maybe 20% better. Can it take more than 6 weeks of obsessive thoughts and anxiety which is what I struggle with most? I had a bad episode last night but I'm also due on my period in a few days so hoping hormones are impacting too. Any reassurance would be great or should I try something new? Thank you in advance xx
Hi Lilmiss, it sounds like you've started to feel the difference if your 20% better, unfortunately you don't suddenly get better from anxiety and depression it's a gradual thing and you will have off days where you feel your going backwards but this is normal, the trend though will be upwards.
Hope this gives you some reassurance.
Neil
Your doing ok. It takes time. We want it to be gone in a couple of woks. It does take time. Anxiety is always there but it will get better until you have symptoms but not as manic. I've suffered for years now I manage it . Small meds so I don't get addicted( only when really bad like heart beating like mad) talking to people who know how this feels is the best to keep you from thinking your going mad( it's saved me) .constant head going and worry comes and goes.mine seemed to always be there. Take mind off it hard cos I can isolate so you live in your own head yet again talk. It's like any illness we have to push through. Does get better and you can cope thinking others out there are in same place. Keep talking people on here really help❤️
Hi lilmiss I was on provac about 18 years ago for nearly 8 years. It can take about 12 weeks before the full affects can take place. Try to stay on them cause they are a brilliant medication. It changed my life xx
Hi Karen, thanks for your reply, I just see so many different answers online with people saying I should be feeling better after 2-4 weeks. I have only been on the increased prescription for 2 weeks so will that mean it takes longer? I just don't want to give up hope, I want to feel better and am doing everything I can like CBT, eating healthy, not much drinking etc to get there but thought I'd be feeling better by now. It's good to hear it changed your life, how long did it take you?x
Thanks Neil, I guess I just thought I'd be feeling much better than this by now especially as I've had a few bad days which has shocked me as I did think I was improving. I know it won't get better instantly but there's so many forums online saying different things and that it only takes 2-4 weeks to kick in? Did you take it? How long did it take for it to work for you?x
No worries darl. It could take abit longer as u have increased your dosage. But I started feeling 80 per cent better after about 12 weeks and got better as each week when on. Please stay on them it will be worth it in the long run darl xx
Hi lilmiss just wondering how long it took for your medication to fully kick in? I’m in exactly the same situation you were in, was on 20mg for 4 wks and not feeling much better and doctor increased me to 40mg 2 weeks ago so 6 wks all in. And although I’m feeling a tiny bit better I’m not anywhere where I thought I’d be at this stage. X
I know it's been a while since u posted this, but i was wondering if Prozac ever kicked in for yoy. Im now on week 6. Firs two weeks i was on 10mg the last 4 I've been on 20. Im still feeling anxious and depressed. Could you give me an update. Need some help.